Dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A dispensing fitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening of a fluid container. The plug is positioned within an interior portion of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open and closed position. Engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. Disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the open to closed position.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/879,958, filed May 21, 2020, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/851,866, filed May23, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to dispensing fitment assemblies for selectivelydispensing fluid from a fluid container as related methods.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing systems are often used for dispensing fluids such as cleaningsolutions (e.g., detergent, disinfectant, sanitizers, etc.), medicalproducts (e.g., fluids administered intravenously during a medicalprocedure) and the like from a container (e.g., a bottle) with aconnector. The connector may be connected to tubing and allow forpassage of fluid stored in the container during use of the dispensingsystem. A dispensing probe, a hand pump and/or a nozzle can be connectedto the connector for dispensing a quantity of chemical fluid (e.g., handsanitizer). Such dispensing systems may be closed loop dispensingsystems, wherein the dispensing system prevents a user from beingexposed to the fluid contained in the container when the user isremoving the lid or cap of the container to clean and/or dispose thecontainer or refill fluids therein. Closed loop dispensing systems offerimproved compliance to chemical safety guidelines and promote ease ofuse, disposal and refilling chemical products such as cleaningsolutions. Such closed loop systems can often be shaped and sized tosuit a variety of operations. For instance, dispensing systems can begenerally rigidly shaped as bottles made of hard plastic (such as highor low density polyethylene), or can be generally flexibly shaped suchas bags (e.g., “bag-and-box” dispensing system) made of polymericmaterials flexible relative to the rigidly shaped bottle. In addition,the containers may be positioned upright or inverted to enhance ease offluid delivery in a variety of operations. The dispensing systems mayalso include a vent (e.g., an opening on a bottle cap) to allow trappedair or other gases to escape from the container during storage orshipment of the chemical fluid.

The connectors of closed loop systems can dispense a predetermineddosage of the fluid. Such systems may include a spring-loaded valve fordispensing the predetermined dosage of chemical fluid out of thecontainer. The connectors are typically sized and shaped according tothe specific type of container in use. For instance, a connectorintended to be used with a rigid bottle may not be interchangeably usedwith those for a flexible bag, and a connector intended for an invertedcontainer may not be suitable for an upright container. Lack of auniversal design for connectors may result in logistical difficultieswhen a user attempts to switch from one type of container (e.g., uprightcontainer) to a different type of container (e.g., inverted container)to allow for more effective dispensing. Connectors that include metalsprings and valves also are not environmentally friendly because suchcomponents may not be recycled. For example, a user may not be able todisengage the dispensing system to separate the recyclable components ofthe dispensing system from the non-recyclable components, ultimately notrecycling the dispensing system at all. Additionally, the user may notfollow safety procedures during filling, using, storing, and disposingchemicals (e.g., corrosive chemicals such as disinfectants) due to thecomplexity involved in assembling and disassembling dispensing systemsthat include a number of different components.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include dispensing fitment assemblies,fitment assemblies, and related methods that can provide a user-friendlyconfiguration and allow for use in a wide variety of dispensingapplications. Moreover, embodiments disclosed herein can providedispensing fitment assemblies, fitment assemblies, and related methodsthat can be environmentally friendly while at the same time reduce thelikelihood that a user is exposed to a fluid within the container.

One embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly for selectivelydispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensing fitmentassembly embodiment includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe.The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitmenthousing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening ofthe fluid container. The fitment housing has an interior portion definedtherein. The plug is positioned within the interior portion of thefitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open positionand a closed position. The dispensing probe is engageable with at leastan interior surface of the plug, and the engagement between thedispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured tomove the plug from the closed position to the open position. Thedispensing probe is disengageable from the interior surface of the plug,and the disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interiorsurface of the plug configured to move the plug from the open positionto the closed position. When the plug is in the closed position, thedispensing probe is configured to be fluidly isolated from the fluidcontainer to restrict flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. Whenthe plug is in the open position, the dispensing probe is configured tobe in fluid communication with the fluid container to permit flow offluid from or to the fluid container.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitmenthousing comprises a first end and a second end longitudinally oppositeto the first end. An entirety of the plug can be disposed proximal tothe second end of the fitment housing and longitudinally away from thefirst end of the fitment housing.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the plugincludes a plurality of flanges, each flange having a tapered leadingportion. The dispensing probe has an end portion, the end portion has aflared portion, and the flared portion of the end portion abuts thetapered leading portion of at least a first flange of the plurality offlanges to disengage the plug from the interior portion and thereby movethe plug from the closed position to the open position. The plug caninclude a recess, and the end portion of the dispensing probe canterminate in a distal end surface. When the flared portion of the endportion abuts the tapered leading portion of at least the first flangeof the plurality of flanges, the distal end surface of the end portionof the dispensing probe is received within the recess of the plug. Theend portion of the dispensing probe can include a distal portion and aproximal portion, and a cross-sectional area of the flared portion canbe greater than a cross-sectional area of the distal portion or across-sectional area of the proximal portion.

In the above further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, theinterior portion of the fitment housing can include a first portion anda second portion, and the second portion can be proximal to the secondend of the fitment housing, and a first cross-sectional area of thefirst portion can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of thesecond portion. The plug can include an exterior surface defining a lip,and the lip can engage against the second portion of the fitment housingwhen the plug is in the closed position. Engagement between thedispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug can detach theengagement between the lip and the second end of the fitment housing tomove the plug from the closed position to the open position.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitmenthousing includes one or more vent passages defined proximal to the firstend of the fitment housing. The one or more vent passages can beconfigured to place the fluid container in fluid communication with anexterior of the fluid container so as to maintain the fluid container ata pressure greater than vacuum during dispensing of fluids out of thefluid container and, optionally, at atmospheric pressure during periodsof not dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container.

Another embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly forselectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensingfitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. Thefitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitmenthousing is coupled to a container opening of the fluid container. Thefitment housing has an interior portion defined therein, and theinterior portion extends between a first end and a second endlongitudinally opposite to the first end. The plug is positioned withinthe interior portion of the fitment housing, with an entirety of theplug being disposed proximal to the second end of the fitment housingand longitudinally away from the first end of the fitment housing. Theplug is slidingly movable relative to the interior portion between anopen position and a closed position. The dispensing probe is engageablewith the plug, with the engagement between the dispensing probe and theplug configured to move the plug from the closed position to the openposition. The dispensing probe is disengageable from the plug, with thedisengagement between the dispensing probe and the plug configured tomove the plug from the open position to the closed position. When theplug is in the closed position, the dispensing probe is fluidly isolatedfrom the fluid container to restrict flow of fluid from or to the fluidcontainer. When the plug is in the open position, the dispensing probeis in fluid communication with the fluid container to permit flow offluid from or to the fluid container.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, thedispensing probe engages with the fitment housing proximal to the firstend of the fitment housing.

A further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly can also includea one-way flow control valve positioned within the dispensing probe. Theone-way flow control valve can be configured to permit passage of fluidsin a dispensing direction and restrict passage of fluids in directionsother than the dispensing direction.

A further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly can also includea fitment connector coupled to the fitment housing. The fitmentconnector can include a first end, a second end opposite to the firstend and an internal passage extending between the first end of thefitment connector and the second end of the fitment connector. Thesecond end of the fitment connector can be disposed longitudinally awayfrom the plug when the plug is in the closed position. A cross-sectionalarea of the second end of the fitment connector can be less than across-sectional area of the plug, such that the second end of thefitment connector captures the plug within the internal passage of thefitment connector when the plug is disengaged from the fitment housing,thereby restricting further displacement of the plug into the fluidcontainer when the plug moves from the closed position to the openposition.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, thedispensing probe is supported by a cap, the cap being removablyconnectable to an opening in the fluid container. The connection of thecap, while supporting the dispensing probe, to the opening in the fluidcontainer can move the plug from the closed position to the openposition. The plug can remain in the open position when the cap, whilesupporting the dispensing probe, remains connected to the opening in thefluid container.

An additional embodiment includes a dispensing fitment assembly forselectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container. This dispensingfitment assembly embodiment includes a fitment housing and a plug. Thefitment housing is configured to be operatively coupled to a containeropening of the fluid container. The fitment housing has an interiorportion defined therein, and the fitment housing includes a first endand a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. The plug ispositioned within the interior portion of the fitment housing, with anentirety of the plug being disposed proximal to the second end of thefitment housing, and longitudinally away from the first end of thefitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open positionand a closed position. The plug includes a surface defining a lip. Thelip engages against the second portion of the fitment housing when theplug is in the closed position, and the engagement of the lip againstthe second portion of the fitment housing is detachable by a dispensingprobe inserted in the fitment housing. The detachment of the engagementmoves the plug from the closed position to the open position. When theplug is in the closed position, the dispensing fitment assemblyrestricts flow of fluid from or to the fluid container. And, when theplug is in the open position, the dispensing fitment assembly permitsflow of fluid from or to the fluid container.

In a further embodiment of the dispensing fitment assembly, the fitmenthousing includes one or more vent passages defined proximal to the firstend of the fitment housing. The one or more vent passages are configuredto place the fluid container in fluid communication with an exterior ofthe fluid container so as to maintain the fluid container at a pressuregreater than vacuum during dispensing of fluids out of the fluidcontainer and, optionally, at atmospheric pressure during periods of notdispensing of fluids out of the fluid container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent invention therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. Thedrawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations inthe following description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafterbe described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, though certain embodiments can include one or more components atthe scale shown.

FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view of a container with a dispensingfitment assembly according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing fitment assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing fitmentassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional front view of the dispensing fitment assembly ofFIG. 1 with the plug in the closed position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of the dispensing fitmentassembly of FIG. 1 illustrated to show the plug in the closed position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing fitment assemblyof FIG. 1 illustrated to show the plug in the closed position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing fitment assemblyof FIG. 1 illustrated to show the plug and the end portion of thedispensing probe during engagement/disengagement with the plug;

FIG. 8 is sectional perspective view of the dispensing fitment assemblyof FIG. 1 illustrated to show the plug in the open position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional perspective view of the dispensingfitment assembly of FIG. 1 illustrated to show the plug in the openposition; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrated to show the plug andthe end portion of the dispensing probe during engagement with the plug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description provides somepractical illustrations for implementing embodiments of the presentinvention. Examples of constructions, materials, and/or dimensions areprovided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing system 10 according to some embodiments.The dispensing system 10 comprises a container 20 for storing fluids anda dispensing fitment assembly 30 (aka dispensing fitment and adaptorassembly) for selectively dispensing fluids out of the container 20. Asdescribed previously, such containers can store fluids such as cleaningsolution, disinfectant, sanitizer, and/or medical fluids while thecontainer 20 is shown in an upright orientation. Other orientations(e.g., inverted with respect to the orientation in FIG. 1, laterallysideways with respect to the orientation in FIG. 1) are alsocontemplated. As seen in FIG. 1, the container 20 can be a bottle.Alternatively, the container 20 can be a bag, box, or other knowncontainers.

A dispensing fitment assembly 30 can prevent a user from inadvertentlycontacting the fluid when the user disposes, dispenses, cleans orrefills fluids or replenishes container 20. The dispensing fitmentassembly 30 therefore can be closed or opened to selectively dispensefluids from the container 20. The dispensing fitment assembly 30 canselectively dispense fluid form the container 20 via a dispensing probe22. Alternatively, fluids can be dispensed by other methods known in theart (e.g., pumping, pouring and the like). The container 20 may alsoinclude a dosing element (e.g., flow meter) to control flow rate offluids.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the container 20 comprises acontainer opening 34. In certain embodiments, the container opening 34is operatively coupled to a cap 36, for instance, by a frictionalconnection (e.g., threads as illustrated, or by snap or push fit). Thecap 36 may be removably connectable with the container opening 34, andconnection of the cap 36 with the container opening 34 may allow fordispensing (e.g., fill the fluid container 20 or discharge fluid fromthe fluid container 20), as will be described further below.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various views of the dispensing probe 22 accordingto exemplary embodiments. The dispensing probe 22 may be supported byand/or extend from a surface 38 of the cap 36 as seen in FIG. 1.Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the dispensing probe 22 includes abody 40 and an end portion 42. The body 40 may include an interiorpassage 46 that may be in selective fluid communication with thecontainer 20. For instance, the interior passage 46 of the dispensingprobe 22 may be in fluid communication with the container 20 when it isdesired to dispense (e.g., fill the fluid container 20 or dischargefluid from the fluid container 20). The interior passage 46 of thedispensing probe 22 may be fluidly isolated from the fluid container 20at other instances, to reduce the chances of leakage, or inadvertentcontact of fluids (e.g., corrosive fluids) by a user during use.

The end portion 42 may be shaped and contoured to selectively engagewith portions of a fitment assembly, as will be described further below.The end portion 42 includes a distal portion 48, a flared portion 50,and a proximal portion 52. The distal portion 48 may be closer than theflared portion 50 and the proximal portion 52 to portions of the fitmentassembly. The proximal portion 52 may be closer than the distal portion48 and the flared portion 50 to the body 40 of the dispensing probe 22.A cross-sectional area of the distal portion 48 may be less than across-sectional area of the flared portion 50. Further, across-sectional area of the proximal portion 52 may be less than across-sectional area of the flared portion 50. The distal portion 48 mayterminate in a distal end surface 54.

The body 40 and the end portion 42 of the dispensing probe 22 may beattached to each other by an attachment portion 56. The attachmentportion 56 may facilitate placing the interior passage 46 of the body 40in selective fluid communication with the fluid container 20, and forpermitting passage of fluids via the interior passage 46 into or out ofthe fluid container 20.

The dispensing fitment assembly 30 includes, in addition to thedispensing probe 22, a fitment assembly, various views of which areillustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Referencing FIGS. 2 and 3, the fitmentassembly comprises a fitment housing 60 supported on the containeropening 34. In certain advantageous aspects, the fitment housing 60 maybe induction sealed to the container opening 34 to reduce inadvertentchances of fluid ingress or egress from the fluid container 20. Thefitment housing 60 can be made of a polymer suitable induction sealingwith a polymer of the container 20 (e.g., thermoplastics). Otherrecyclables and/or biocompatible materials are also contemplated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the dispensing fitment assembly30. As seen in FIG. 4, the fitment housing 60 has a first end 62 and asecond end 64 longitudinally opposite to the first end 62. An interiorportion 66 extends between the first end 62 and the second end 64. Asseen in FIG. 4, the dispensing probe 22 engages with the fitment housing60 proximal to the first end 62 of the fitment housing 60.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the interior portion 66 may becontoured to permit selective fluid communication between the container20 and the dispensing probe 22, as will be described further below. Inone such example illustrated in FIG. 4, the interior portion 66 of thefitment housing 60 includes a first portion 68 and a second portion 70.The first portion 68 and the second portion 70 may each have eitherconstant cross-sectional area or variable cross-sectional area. Forinstance, the first portion 68 may have a first cross-sectional area 72and the second portion 70 may have a second cross-sectional area 74. Asseen in FIG. 4, the first cross-sectional area 72 of the first portion68 is greater than the second cross-sectional area 74 of the secondportion 70. In some such embodiments, the first portion 68 may extend asubstantial length of the fitment housing 60 from the first portion 68.In such embodiments, the second portion 70 may be confined to beingproximal to the second end 64 of the fitment housing 60. Alternatively,in other embodiments, the first portion 68 and the second portion 70 mayextend over different lengths of the fitment housing 60 than thoseillustrated. Still further, the fitment housing 60 may be contoured suchthat the cross-sectional area of the interior portion 66 in theproximity of the second end 64 is less than the cross-sectional area ofthe interior portion 66 at other longitudinal locations of the fitmenthousing 60. Such embodiments may advantageously place the dispensingprobe 22 in selective fluid communication with the container 20, as willbe described further below.

An exterior surface of the fitment housing 60 may engage with a fitmentconnector 120, as will be described further below. Accordingly, incertain embodiments, the exterior surface of the fitment housing 60 mayinclude threads 76, grooves, or other types of frictional connectors topermit connection to a fitment connector 120.

Referencing FIGS. 4 and 5, the fitment housing 60 also has one or morevent passages 82 defined proximal to the first end 62 of the fitmenthousing 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of evenly-spacedvent passages 82 are distributed around the perimeter of the fitmenthousing 60, however, additional or fewer vent passages 82 can beprovided. The vent passages 82 may place the fluid container 20 in fluidcommunication with an exterior of the fluid container 20 so as tomaintain the fluid container 20 at a pressure greater than vacuum duringdispensing of fluids out of the fluid container 20. Such pressure in thefluid container 20 may be equal to atmospheric pressure during staticperiods when fluids are not being dispensed out of the fluid container.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the fitmenthousing 60 may include one or more keyed protrusions 84 at the first end62. In FIG. 5, keyed protrusions 84 are illustrated as being evenlydistributed throughout a perimeter of the fitment housing 60. However, asingle keyed protrusion may also be provided. The keyed protrusion(s)may facilitate aligning the dispensing probe 22 with the cap 36 suchthat the end portion 42 of the dispensing probe 22 may be generallycoaxial with the interior portion 66 of the fitment housing 60 and/orwith the plug 90.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the connector comprises a plug 90. The plug90 can be moved between a closed position and an open position. FIGS.4-6 illustrate the plug 90 in the closed position, while FIGS. 8-10illustrate the plug 90 in the open position. Referring again to FIGS. 4and 5, the plug 90 may advantageously be positioned within the interiorportion 66 of the fitment housing 60, and may facilitate placing thedispensing probe 22 in selective fluid communication with the fluidcontainer 20. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, an entirety of the plug 90 maybe disposed proximal to the second end 64 of the fitment housing 60, andlongitudinally away from the first end 62 of the fitment housing 60.Such embodiments may offer ease of engagement and disengagement betweenthe fitment housing 60 and the plug 90 and more easily establishselective fluid communication between the dispensing probe 22 and thefluid container 20.

In an embodiment, the plug 90 may be slidingly movable relative to theinterior portion 66 between the open position and the closed position.When the plug 90 is in the closed position, the dispensing probe 22 isfluidly isolated from the fluid container 20 to restrict flow of fluidfrom or to the fluid container 20. When the plug 90 is in the openposition, the dispensing probe 22 is in fluid communication with thefluid container 20 to permit flow of fluid from or to the fluidcontainer 20.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate enlarged views of the plug 90. According tocertain examples, the plug 90 may include a plurality of flanges 92. Theflanges 92 extend toward the dispensing probe 22, and may be contouredto have frictional engagement with portions of the dispensing probe 22.In advantageous aspects, frictional engagement between the flanges 92and portions of the dispensing probe 22 may be useful for disengagingthe plug 90 from the second end 64 of the fitment housing 60, orengaging the plug 90 with the second end 64 of the fitment housing 60.Thus, frictional engagement/disengagement between the flanges 92 andportions of the dispensing probe 22 may facilitate frictionaldisengagement/engagement respectively between the plug 90 and the secondend 64 of the fitment housing 60, thereby moving the plug 90 between theclosed and the open positions.

Referencing FIGS. 6 and 7, each flange includes a tapered leadingportion 94 that may face and/or encounter an end portion 42 of thedispensing probe 22, as the dispensing probe 22 is being brought intoproximity with the plug 90. The tapered leading portion 94 may taperradially inward to form a generally frustoconical shape to guide the endportion 42 of the dispensing probe 22. The flange may also include anupright portion 96 positioned in the vicinity of the tapered leadingportion 94. For instance, in an illustrative aspect, an outermost edge98 of the tapered leading portion 94 may abut an outermost edge 100 ofthe upright portion 96 such that the tapered leading portion 94 and theupright portion 96 are directly adjacent to each other. Across-sectional area 102 of the upright portion 96 may, advantageouslybe greater than a smallest cross-sectional area 104 of the taperedleading portion 94, as illustrated in FIG. 7. As will be describedfurther below, such shapes and profiles may facilitate ease ofengagement and disengagement of the plug 90 relative to the fitmenthousing 60.

In certain advantageous aspects of the present disclosure, the plug 90includes additional contoured portions to further facilitatedisengagement or engagement of the plug 90 with the fitment housing 60.For instance, with continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the plug 90includes a generally planar surface 106 on which a recess 108 is definedcentrally therein. The recess 108 may be located adjacent to (or in the)upright portion 96. The recess 108 may receive portions of thedispensing probe 22 during disengagement or engagement of the plug 90with the fitment housing 60. The plug 90 may also include an exteriorsurface 110 defining a lip 112. The lip 112 may be directly adjacent tothe upright portion 96. The lip 112 may have an exterior cross-sectionalarea 114 greater than an exterior cross-sectional area 115 of theupright portion 96. As seen in FIG. 6, the lip 112 may engage againstthe second portion 70 of the fitment housing 60, to maintain the plug 90is in the closed position. An outermost edge 116 of the second portion70 may be in contact with the lip 112 when the plug 90 is in the closedposition. Accordingly, the exterior cross-sectional area 114 of the lip112 in the vicinity of the outermost edge 116 may be greater than aninterior cross-sectional area (e.g., second cross-sectional area 74) ofthe second portion 70.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fitment assembly includes a fitmentconnector 120. The fitment connector 120 may be coupled to the fitmenthousing 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitment connector 120includes internal threads 121 that engage with external threads 76 ofthe fitment housing 60. However, other types of connections between thefitment housing 60 and the fitment connector 120 are contemplated. Thefitment connector 120 may be generally elongate and include a first end122, a second end 124 opposite to the first end 122 and an internalpassage 126 extending between the first end 122 and the second end 124.The coupling between the fitment connector 120 and the fitment housing60 may position the first end 62 of the fitment connector 120 near thefirst end 122 of the fitment housing 60, and the second end 64 of thefitment connector 120 extending further longitudinally away from thesecond end 124 of the fitment housing 60. Accordingly, the second end 64of the fitment housing 60 may be captured within and/or surrounded bythe second end 124 of the fitment housing 60.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the second end 124 of the fitmentconnector 120 is disposed longitudinally away from the plug 90. Further,as seen from FIG. 4, in advantageous aspects, a cross-sectional area 128of the second end 124 of the fitment connector 120 may be less than across-sectional area of the plug 90. As described previously, the plug90 may be contoured to have variable cross-section. In such cases, across-sectional area of at least a portion of the plug 90 (e.g.,exterior cross-sectional area 114 or 115 illustrated in FIG. 7) may begreater than a cross-sectional area 128 (shown in FIG. 4) of the secondend 124 of the fitment connector 120. In such embodiments, the secondend 124 of the fitment connector 120 captures the plug 90 within theinternal passage 126 of the fitment connector 120 when the plug 90 isdisengaged from the fitment housing 60. Such embodiments mayadvantageously restrict further displacement of the plug 90 into thefluid container 20 when the plug 90 moves from the closed position tothe open position.

As described previously, the container 20 may be induction sealed withthe fitment housing 60. The induction sealing may be performed after thefitment housing 60, fitment connector 120 and plug 90 are assembled suchthat the plug 90 is in the closed position. To dispense fluid (e.g., tofill into or discharge from) the cap 36 along with the dispensing probe22 may be brought into proximity with the container opening 34, andattached therewith. For instance, the cap 36 may include internalthreads 132 that may engage with corresponding threads on the containeropening 34. As the cap 36 is frictionally engaged with the containeropening 34, the dispensing probe 22 may advance into the interiorportion 66 of the fitment housing 60.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, the plug 90 may be seated at the second end64 of the fitment housing 60, and the lip 112 may abut an outermost edge116 of the second end 64 of the fitment housing 60. The interior portion66 of the fitment housing 60 may be fluidly isolated from the container20 at this position. As the dispensing probe 22 is being brought intothe interior portion 66 of the fitment housing 60, the distal portion 48of the dispensing probe 22 may approach the tapered leading portion 94of the plug 90, and may be moved toward the upright portion 96 of theplug 90. As the dispensing probe 22 is further brought into proximity(e.g., by screw-threaded engagement of the cap 36 with the containeropening 34), the flared portion 50 of the dispensing probe 22 mayfrictionally engage against one or more flanges 92. The frictionalengagement of the flared portion 50 of the dispensing probe 22 may bearagainst the flange, and thereby unseat and/or detach the plug 90 fromthe second end 64 of the fitment housing 60. Further movement of thedispensing probe 22 relative to the plug 90 may result in the distalportion 48 being received within the recess 108 of the plug 90, theflared portion 50 being received at least partially in the uprightportion 96 of the plug 90, and the flange(s) at least partiallysurrounding the proximal portion 52, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referencing FIG. 8, a gap 130 may be created between the plug 90 and thefitment housing 60, thereby permitting passage of fluids in a dispensingdirection (e.g., along the arrows 118 illustrated in FIG. 8). Dispensingmay be a filling operation of the container 20, in which case, thedispensing direction may correspond flow of fluids via the interiorpassage 46 thereof, and into the fitment connector 120 and to thecontainer 20. Alternatively, dispensing may be a discharge operation, inwhich case, the dispensing direction may correspond to the flow offluids from the container 20, through the fitment connector 120, and viathe interior passage 46 of the dispensing probe 22.

To move the plug 90 from the open position to the closed position, thecap 36 may be detached from the container opening 34 (e.g., byunscrewing the internal threads 132 of the cap 36 that may engage withcorresponding threads on the container opening 34). As the cap 36 isfrictionally disengaged with the container opening 34, the dispensingprobe 22 may be retracted from the interior portion 66 of the fitmenthousing 60.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the plug 90 may be retracted with thedispensing probe 22 due to engagement between the distal portion 48 andthe recess 108 until the lip 112 abuts the outermost edge of the secondend 64 of the fitment housing 60. At this instance, the tapered leadingportion 94 may engage with a transition region 136 that separates thefirst portion 68 and the second portion 70. As the dispensing probe 22is further retracted (e.g., by continuing to unscrew the threads 132 ofthe cap 36), the flared portion 50 may be unseated and may retractrelative to the upright portion 96 of the plug 90. Continued retractionof the dispensing probe 22 may result in the travel of the flaredportion 50 relative to the tapered leading portion 94 until thedispensing probe 22 is fully retracted relative to the plug 90, and theflanges 92 seated against the transition region 136.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fitment assembly includes a flowcontrol valve 140 which may selectively permit or restrict flow of fluidtherethrough to facilitate controlled flow of fluid into or out of thecontainer 20. In certain advantageous aspects, the valve can be aone-way flow control valve 140. In such embodiments, the one-way flowcontrol valve 140 may permit passage of fluids in a dispensing directionand restrict passage of fluids in directions other than the dispensingdirection. In some aspects dispensing may include filling the container20. Accordingly, a dispensing direction may be from a fluid source, viathe dispensing probe 22 to the container 20. In other aspects,dispensing may include discharging from the container 20. Accordingly, adispensing direction may be from the container 20, via a dispensingprobe 22 to a fluid delivery line. In either aspect, the one-way flowcontrol valve 140 may restrict passage of fluids in directions otherthan the dispensing direction. In certain aspects, the one-way flowcontrol valve 140 may not be used when the container 20 is being filledand may only be used when fluid is discharged from the container 20.Accordingly, the one-way flow control valve 140 may restrict flow offluids in directions other than through the interior passage 46 of thedispensing probe 22 and toward the container 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control valve 140 is housedwithin the dispensing probe 22. When the dispensing probe 22 engageswith the plug 90 and moves the plug 90 to the open position, the flowcontrol valve 140 may be positioned proximal to the first end 62 of thefitment housing 60 and surrounded by the cap 36. Referencing FIG. 8, asfluid is being dispensed in the dispensing direction (e.g., along arrows118), the flow control valve 140 may selectively permit or restrict flowof fluid therethrough to facilitate controlled flow of fluid into or outof the container 20.

Embodiments disclosed herein have one or more advantages. Closed loopconnectors such as those described herein can protect the user frominadvertently being exposed to fluids (e.g., chemicals, corrosivereagents and the like) present in the container 20, thereby offeringsafe dispensing operation. The connector can be made with recyclablematerials and not have any metal components or non-recyclable parts,thereby allowing a user to easily rinse and recycle the container 20 andthe connector. Such connectors are also of a universal design, allowingusers to easily be connected to containers of different shapes, sizes,and for different applications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing fitment assembly for selectivelydispensing fluid from a fluid container, the dispensing fitment assemblycomprising: a fitment assembly, comprising: a fitment housing configuredto operatively couple to a container opening of the fluid container, thefitment housing having an interior portion defined therein, a plugpositioned within the interior portion of the fitment housing, the plugbeing slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position,the plug comprising a plurality of flanges and a lip, wherein eachflange includes a tapered leading portion at an interior surface of theplug, and wherein the lip is defined at an exterior surface of the plug,the exterior surface of the plug facing the fitment housing and theinterior surface of the plug being opposite the exterior surface of theplug; and a dispensing probe engageable with the plug, the engagementbetween the dispensing probe and the plug configured to move the plugbetween the open position and the closed position, when the plug is inthe closed position, the dispensing probe is configured to be fluidlyisolated from the fluid container to restrict flow of fluid from or tothe fluid container, when the plug is in the open position, thedispensing probe is configured to be in fluid communication with thefluid container to permit flow of fluid from or to the fluid container.2. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 1, wherein the fitmenthousing comprises a first end and a second end longitudinally oppositeto the first end.
 3. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 2, whereinan entirety of the plug is disposed proximal to the second end of thefitment housing and longitudinally away from the first end of thefitment housing.
 4. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 1, whereinthe dispensing probe having an end portion, the end portion having aflared portion, the flared portion of the end portion abutting thetapered leading portion of at least a first flange of the plurality offlanges to disengage the plug from the interior portion and thereby movethe plug from the closed position to the open position.
 5. Thedispensing fitment assembly of claim 4, wherein the plug comprises arecess, the end portion of the dispensing probe terminating in a distalend surface, wherein, when the flared portion of the end portion abutsthe tapered leading portion of at least the first flange of theplurality of flanges, the distal end surface of the end portion of thedispensing probe is received within the recess of the plug.
 6. Thedispensing fitment assembly of claim 4, wherein the interior portion ofthe fitment housing includes a first portion and a second portion, thesecond portion being proximal to the second end of the fitment housing,a first cross-sectional area of the first portion being greater than asecond cross-sectional area of the second portion.
 7. The dispensingfitment assembly of claim 6, wherein the lip engages against the secondportion of the fitment housing when the plug is in the closed position.8. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 7, wherein engagementbetween the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plugdetaches the engagement between the lip and the second end of thefitment housing to move the plug from the closed position to the openposition.
 9. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 4, wherein the endportion of the dispensing probe includes a distal portion and a proximalportion, a cross-sectional area of the flared portion being greater thana cross-sectional area of the distal portion or a cross-sectional areaof the proximal portion.
 10. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 1,wherein the fitment housing comprises one or more vent passages definedproximal to the first end of the fitment housing, the one or more ventpassages being configured to place the fluid container in fluidcommunication with an exterior of the fluid container so as to maintainthe fluid container at a pressure greater than vacuum during dispensingof fluids out of the fluid container and, optionally, at atmosphericpressure during periods of not dispensing of fluids out of the fluidcontainer.
 11. A dispensing fitment assembly for selectively dispensingfluid from a fluid container, the dispensing fitment assemblycomprising: a fitment assembly, comprising: a fitment housing coupled toa container opening of the fluid container, the fitment housing havingan interior portion defined therein, the interior portion extendingbetween a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to thefirst end, a plug positioned within the interior portion of the fitmenthousing, the plug being slidingly movable relative to the interiorportion between an open position and a closed position, the plugcomprising a plurality of flanges and a lip, wherein each flangeincludes a tapered leading portion at an interior surface of the plug,and wherein the lip is defined at an exterior surface of the plug, theexterior surface of the plug facing the fitment housing and the interiorsurface of the plug being opposite the exterior surface of the plug; anda dispensing probe engageable with, and disengageable from, the plug soas to move the plug between the open position and the closed position,when the plug is in the closed position, the dispensing probe is fluidlyisolated from the fluid container to restrict flow of fluid from or tothe fluid container, when the plug is in the open position, thedispensing probe is in fluid communication with the fluid container topermit flow of fluid from or to the fluid container.
 12. The dispensingfitment assembly of claim 11, wherein the dispensing probe engages withthe fitment housing proximal to the first end of the fitment housing.13. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 11, further comprising aone-way flow control valve positioned within the dispensing probe, theone-way flow control valve being configured to permit passage of fluidsin a dispensing direction and restrict passage of fluids in directionsother than the dispensing direction.
 14. The dispensing fitment assemblyof claim 11, further comprising a fitment connector coupled to thefitment housing, the fitment connector comprising a first end, a secondend opposite to the first end and an internal passage extending betweenthe first end of the fitment connector and the second end of the fitmentconnector.
 15. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 14, wherein thesecond end of the fitment connector is disposed longitudinally away fromthe plug when the plug is in the closed position.
 16. The dispensingfitment assembly of claim 15, wherein a cross-sectional area of thesecond end of the fitment connector being less than a cross-sectionalarea of the plug, such that the second end of the fitment connectorcaptures the plug within the internal passage of the fitment connectorwhen the plug is disengaged from the fitment housing, therebyrestricting further displacement of the plug into the fluid containerwhen the plug moves from the closed position to the open position. 17.The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 11, wherein the dispensingprobe is supported by a cap, the cap being removably connectable to anopening in the fluid container, and wherein the connection of the cap,while supporting the dispensing probe, to the opening in the fluidcontainer moves the plug from the closed position to the open position.18. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 17, wherein the plugremains in the open position when the cap, while supporting thedispensing probe, remains connected to the opening in the fluidcontainer.
 19. A dispensing fitment assembly for selectively dispensingfluid from a fluid container, the dispensing fitment assemblycomprising: a fitment housing operatively coupled to a container openingof the fluid container, the fitment housing having an interior portiondefined therein, and the fitment housing comprising a first end and asecond end longitudinally opposite to the first end, a plug positionedwithin the interior portion of the fitment housing, an entirety of theplug being disposed proximal to the second end of the fitment housing,and longitudinally away from the first end of the fitment housing, theplug being slidingly movable between an open position and a closedposition, and the plug comprising a plurality of flanges and a lip,wherein each flange includes a tapered leading portion at an interiorsurface of the plug, wherein the lip is defined at an exterior surfaceof the plug, the exterior surface of the plug facing the fitment housingand the interior surface of the plug being opposite the exterior surfaceof the plug, the lip engaging against the second portion of the fitmenthousing when the plug is in the closed position, the engagement of thelip against the second portion of the fitment housing being detachableby a dispensing probe inserted in the fitment housing, the detachment ofthe engagement moving the plug between the closed position and the openposition.
 20. The dispensing fitment assembly of claim 19, wherein thefitment housing comprises one or more vent passages defined proximal tothe first end of the fitment housing, the one or more vent passagesbeing configured to place the fluid container in fluid communicationwith an exterior of the fluid container so as to maintain the fluidcontainer at a pressure greater than vacuum during dispensing of fluidsout of the fluid container and, optionally, at atmospheric pressureduring periods of not dispensing of fluids out of the fluid container.